Industry Association Review

(Posted on 16/04/18)

Following the Industry Association Review, published on 19 December 2017, BHP has announced its determination in relation to its membership of the United States Chamber of Commerce and of the World Coal Association. BHP also provided an update on its view of the new Energy and Climate Change Position of the Minerals Council of Australia.

The determinations follow the actions that BHP outlined in section 5 of its Review, and are as follows:

United States Chamber of Commerce

Following publication of the Review, BHP undertook a number of engagements with the secretariat of the Chamber. While the material differences identified by the Review remain at this time, BHP derives a range of benefits from the broader activities of the Chamber, particularly its advocacy on economic issues such as free trade.

On the basis of these broader benefits, and in light of the Chamber’s willingness to engage further on climate and energy issues through an invitation extended to BHP to join its Energy and Environment Committee, BHP has determined to remain a member of the Chamber.

BHP will work with the Chamber and its wider membership on the direction of the Chamber’s climate and energy policy, by actively participating in the Chamber’s Energy and Environment Committee.

World Coal Association

Following publication of the Review, BHP had a number of engagements with the secretariat of the WCA. In light of the material difference identified by the Review and the narrow range of activities of benefit to BHP from membership, BHP has reached a final view that it will cease membership of the WCA.

BHP acknowledges the contribution made by the WCA in a range of areas including environment and community practice, and appreciates the constructive approach undertaken by the WCA in discussions following the Review.

Minerals Council of Australia

On 14 March 2018, the MCA released an updated Energy and Climate Policy Position. BHP welcomes this revised policy position, which is aligned with BHP’s approach to climate and energy policy. In particular, from a policy perspective, the updated MCA position addresses the two areas identified as material differences by BHP, relating to the energy trilemma and technology neutrality. In the Review BHP identified a range of broader benefits provided by its membership of the MCA, relating to health and safety, environment, community, workforce and economics. BHP continues to assess the benefits of membership in these areas as high.

BHP will work with the MCA and its members in relation to reflecting the updated Energy and Climate Policy Position in the MCA’s public advocacy. In this regard, BHP is represented on the Board of the MCA, as well as on its Public Policy Committee and Energy and Climate Committee.